BLS Syllabus Addendum

Remote Proctoring

Required Equipment & Materials

Since this is an online course and all assessments are completed in a web browser, you need a computer with a reliable internet connection. This course requires a dual-camera system during proctored assessments, which monitors you via your microphone and two cameras: the front-facing (built-in) camera and a side-angle (external USB) camera.

Required Equipment:

• Computer with a high-speed internet connection, microphone, and a built-in camera.
  If your computer does not have a built-in camera, you may have to obtain an additional USB webcam to be used as the front-facing webcam
• Side-angle (external) USB camera.
  • This webcam is used to provide a continuous side-angle view of your workspace throughout each proctored assessment.
  • The following devices are not compatible with Honorlock and should NOT be used as the side-angle camera: iPads, phones, Walmart/ONN-branded cameras, Amcrest, and Nexigo. Students should verify compatibility before purchasing.
  • An example of an authorized USB camera can be found at this link: Logitech C270 HD Webcam (Amazon)
• Dry-Erase Board (8.5 x 11) with a dry-erase pen. The only writing format you will be allowed to use is a whiteboard (not a paper and pen). You must show BOTH the front and back of the blank board at the beginning and the erased board to the camera at the end of the exam.
• A non-programmable handheld calculator is allowed that is not part of your cell phone or your computer.

Additional (Optional) Equipment:

• USB Extension cable: A USB data-enabled extension cable may be helpful if your computer's USB port is more than a few feet from where you want to position the side-angle camera. Example: Amazon Basics 9.8 ft USB-A 2.0 Extension Cable (Amazon).
• Camera support: The side-angle camera should be placed approximately three feet to the side of your seat on any stable, flat surface. A tripod is not required, but it may facilitate a stable setup and camera positioning. Tripod and camera compatibility may vary depending on the camera used; students are responsible for verifying compatibility.
   

The HonorLock Remote Proctoring System

The BLS department uses Honorlock, an online proctoring service that is required for students to complete quizzes and exams. Details regarding online assessments and HonorLock can be found in the course materials in Blackboard.

During quizzes or exams, students are not allowed to have any paper or devices (including tablets, smartphones, etc.) other than their ID card (and a calculator or whiteboard if the instructor permits) on or near the computer. Camera-enabled or AI-enabled eyewear (such as Ray-Ban Meta glasses or similar “smart” devices) are not permitted in the testing environment. Students must ensure that their computer is not connected to external devices including phones, tablets, or any other devices during online assessments and are expected to disable any Bluetooth handoff connections.

Additionally, no computer applications are allowed to run during online assessments (including minimized or idle applications).

Technology Requirements

GW requires the following minimum system specifications (with recommended specifications in parentheses):

• Processor:
  • Intel Core i5 (Recommended: Intel Core i5 11 th generation [2020] or greater)
  • AMD Ryzen 5 (Recommended: AMD Ryzen 5 3000 series [2021] or greater)
  • Apple M1 (Recommended: M-series)
• Memory (RAM): 8GB (Recommended: 16GB)
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Operating System:  
  • Windows 10 or higher (Recommended: Windows 11 Version 24H2 or newer)
  • macOS 10.14 or higher (Recommended: macOS 14 [Sonoma] or newer)
• Screen Resolution: 1366x768 or higher
• WiFi: WiFi 6 (802.11ac)
  • Cellular connections (sometimes used when tethering to a phone when WiFi is unavailable) are NOT permitted.
• Bandwidth: Minimum 1.5 Mbps download speed, 750 Kbps upload.
• Built-in Camera and Microphone: Laptop computers often have a built-in webcam and microphone. If you use a computer without an integrated camera and microphone, you need to acquire two USB external webcams (one for a front-facing view and one for a side-angle view) and/or a microphone. The cameras and microphone must be functional and turned on throughout the quiz/exam. The following devices are not compatible and should NOT be used:
  iPads, phones, Walmart/ONN-branded cameras, Amcrest, and Nexigo.
• External USB Camera: A USB webcam is required to provide a continuous side-angle view of your workspace throughout each proctored exam. The camera must be functional, turned on, and positioned approximately three feet to the side of your seat.
• Browser: Google Chrome web browser (version 110 or later) with Honorlock Chrome extension. Google Chrome is the only browser fully compatible with Honorlock. Before starting the exam, Honorlock will automatically request to install the extension on the browser. Honorlock's extension only runs while taking an Honorlock-enabled exam in Blackboard; however, after each quiz/exam, you can remove the extension if you prefer.
• Security:
  • Encryption: Microsoft BitLocker or Apple FileVault
  • Anti-malware: Microsoft Defender or another third-party anti-malware product
  • Firewall: Built-in Firewall Enabled

Students may not use tablets or mobile devices (Chromebooks, netbooks, etc.) because these devices are currently incompatible with GW's exam-proctoring software.

If a student uses an unauthorized form of technology (phone tethering, mobile devices, cellular connections, etc.), they will not be permitted reentry into an exam should they lose connection.

Technology Support and Assistance:

GW IT Support Center

• Contact the GWIT for help with your GW email, GW UserID, GWeb Info System, and
  basic Blackboard issues.
  • Students can reach GWIT support at https://it.gwu.edu/ or 202-994-4948.
• Honorlock Support Center
  • Honorlock support is available 24/7/365.
  • If you encounter any issues, you may contact Honorlock through live chat on the support page (honorlock.com/support/) or within the quiz/exam itself.
• Videos & Virtual Simulations
  • Please contact your instructor for any video or simulation technical assistance

Course Policies:

All policies governing University course proceedings, including student actions, shall be followed. Policies regarding course assignments, grading, and participation that are mentioned in this syllabus shall be enforced as described.

Extra Credit

• The BLS department does not allow extra credit in any courses.

Quality of Work

• All written assignments are to be word-processed with correct grammar and sentence structure and uploaded as a Word or pdf document.
• An 11-12-point font should be used.
• Your name and appropriate identifying information (e.g. date, the name of the course, instructor name) should appear at the top of the first page of the assignment.
• Present your ideas effectively by using appropriate terminology and concentrating on grammar, spelling, appropriate scientific terminology and sentence and paragraph construction.
• Students are expected to remain current with the reading assignments and to integrate this material with the assignments for each weekly session or module and to build on previous knowledge.

Expectations

It is the student’s responsibility to do the following as applicable in your course:

• Monitor your GW email and Blackboard announcements each week for the duration of the semester.
• All questions should be directed to the course instructor. In your email, provide the course number and section.
• Monitor your grades and current course standing weekly throughout the semester. 
• Let the instructor know immediately of your needs and constraints as well as any circumstances that may prevent you from completing assessments (e.g. assignments, quizzes, exams, projects, papers, etc.). Any deadline extension requests must be communicated to the instructor at least 24 hours before the due date. Any requests under the 24 hours may not be approved. Extensions and other course-related requests are not guaranteed.
• Notify your instructor during the first week of the semester regarding course schedule conflicts due to military obligations and/or religious observances. Any notification beyond the first week of classes may not be approved.
• Answer all questions or discussion points completely and professionally. Entries must clearly reflect the requirements of the assignment.
• Review all assignment directions and associated grading rubrics.
• Complete all assessments by the deadline. Assessments not submitted by the due date without prior approval will get a grade of zero.
• Use a computer with continuous reliable internet and the appropriate browser. Laptop computers must be plugged in to a working power outlet during all assessments. Excuses related to internet, computer availability, or batteries running out/power supply will not be
  accepted.

Incomplete Grades

• Students with a failing grade are not eligible to receive an incomplete.
• First semester students on academic conditions are not eligible for an incomplete. Contact your advisor to discuss your options PRIOR to requesting an incomplete.
• Incomplete grades are considered for students with documented, extenuating circumstances, such as a death in the immediate family, serious illness or hospitalization.
• Students must contact the instructor to request an incomplete and provide a rationale as well as documentation. Approval for an incomplete is not guaranteed.
• If an incomplete is granted, the student must collaborate with the instructor to generate a learning contract, which must be submitted to the program for approval.

Plagiarism / Collusion

• All work must be completed individually unless specifically noted by the instructor.
• Collusion is prohibited. Collusion is unauthorized collaboration during the preparation or\ completion of any assigned coursework.
• Plagiarism is the intentional or unintentional submission of another's work as one's own without proper acknowledgment, including GAI-generated content. Students must cite any written ideas that are not their own, whether from a fellow student or a published author. Failure to do so will result in a charge of plagiarism (i.e., stealing the words or ideas of another).
• Submission of work previously-used in whole or in part to more than one course or within the same course is prohibited without approval from the instructor.
• Any indication of plagiarism, collusion, and/or cheating will be reported to the office of Conflict Education & Student Accountability (CESA) and will be recommended for a sanction, such as a deduction of points, grade of zero for the assessment, failure of the course, suspension, dismissal, etc.

Academic Integrity

• Academic integrity is an essential part of the educational process, and all members of the GW community take these matters very seriously.
• Violations of academic integrity occur when students fail to cite research sources properly, engage in unauthorized collaboration, falsify data, and otherwise violate the Code of Academic Integrity. Students are prohibited from distributing assignments, answers, and quiz and exam questions on any medium to anyone, including GAI. Media includes but is not limited to: texting, social media, and websites. Any indication of posting or distributing course content as stated above will be reported to CESA and will be recommended for a sanction of a grade of zero, suspension, dismissal, etc.
• Students are prohibited from utilizing Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) tools for completing any assessment, unless otherwise indicated in writing by the instructor. GAI includes but is not limited to websites/software that utilizes GPT or other algorithms. Any indication of unauthorized GAI use will be reported to CESA with an appropriate sanction recommendation, such as a grade of zero.
• Any indication of violating remote proctoring rules during quizzes or exams (i.e., insufficient scan of exam environment, leaving the room, talking, etc.) will result in points being deducted from the professional score (if applicable) and may also result in points being deducted from the assessment grade. Violations will be reported to CESA with a sanction recommendation such as a zero grade for that assessment.
• Any evidence of academic dishonesty during an exam or assignment will be reported to CESA and will be recommended for a sanction of a grade of zero, suspension, dismissal, etc.
• Any repeated evidence of academic dishonesty will be reported to CESA with a sanction recommendation of program dismissal. 
• Questions about whether or not particular academic practices or resources are permitted within this course should be directed to the course instructor.
• For more information on academic integrity, please refer to the CESA office (website https://students.gwu.edu/cesa email cesa [at] gwu [dot] edu (cesa[at]gwu[dot]edu), or call 202-994-6757).

Professionalism and Confidentiality of Proprietary Information

• Students are expected to remain professional, respectful, and courteous in all communications, including emails, video chat, phone calls, discussion board postings, etc.
• Students should not communicate any proprietary and/or confidential information from their present or previous employers and/or organizations. You may discuss any information that is in the public domain (e.g., websites, articles). Please consult your instructor if you have any questions.